GIPSA Rule: Yes Or No? You Make The Call.

It seems a great deal of discussion has been dedicated to the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposed rule that aims to correct competition issues and create a more fair market environment for producers. Yet, cattle producers are divided on this rule, some saying it will eliminate a producers' ability to gain premiums for quality cattle, while others say it will work to eliminate price manipulation on the packer end.

BEEF magazine currently has a running poll that calls for discussion. Here is the poll: USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration published a proposed rule June 22 that could prohibit packers from paying more for some cattle than others, and could derail current value-added marketing agreements between feedlots and packers. Do you agree or disagree with the rule?

With more than 660 votes in, 79% of BEEFreaders say they disagree with the proposed rule. Today, I'm asking for your thoughts. What are the pros and cons of this rule? How might it help or hurt your operation and your bottom line? As always, this is an open forum, and I welcome dialogue and opinions from all sides of the coin. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.